Year 49 of Konoha, Year 21 of Red, May...
The domestic situation in the Land of Fire became increasingly severe. Faced with Konoha's aggressive advance, the Daimyo's capital was utterly defenseless. Even seeking external aid and cooperating with Root to gain the support of Root ninjas was like trying to extinguish a burning cartload of firewood with a cup of water given the current situation. The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, led Konoha's ninjas in a swift and unstoppable advance, directly sweeping through most of the Land of Fire.
At this time, everyone was watching, sneering, and mocking. Just when they thought the reputation that the First Hokage had painstakingly built for Konoha was about to be completely destroyed by the Fourth Hokage's civil war...
The Daimyo's capital, however, suddenly, with the lead of the Root ninjas, once again held a meeting and discussion with Konoha in the capital.
This meeting lasted for three days and three nights. No one knew what exactly happened inside. But on the day the meeting concluded, the Fourth Hokage and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire jointly promulgated the "Constitution of the Land of Fire," clearly stating that "sovereignty resides in the people." The Daimyo of the Land of Fire, as the symbol of the Land of Fire and its people as a whole, would no longer hold the power to rule the country, such as political and military authority, and would merely serve as the ceremonial head of state for the Land of Fire. Simultaneously, a parliament and cabinet were established, appointing the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, as the first Prime Minister...
And on May 20th, Konoha Year 49...
The war lasted only a month and a half before it ended. The internal strife did not cause significant casualties or losses to the Land of Fire. After the formal promulgation of the "Constitution of the Land of Fire," the Land of Fire returned to a stable life. Therefore, this war was also called the 'Will of Fire Revolution,' a bloodless revolution...
After the war ended, the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, did not stop his actions. He continuously dispatched large numbers of ninjas, especially those who had 'studied' in the Land of Whirlpools, sending them to various places in Konoha to establish factories, restore domestic labor, and stabilize order. Concurrently, the Land of Fire Research Institute was built in Konohagakure, encouraging scientific research and development. Schools began to be established in every village and town, requiring all children of the appropriate age to attend.
As for the teaching materials...
They were created by a group of ninjas who had 'studied' in the Land of Whirlpools, using the Land of Whirlpools' teaching materials as the main body, and adding the local characteristics and customs of this country.
It could be said that from this moment on...
Konohagakure truly became a distinctive ordinary village, and ninjas began to integrate into every corner of the entire country.
With the implementation of this set of policies, the Land of Fire immediately showed renewed vitality. Even the citizens of the Land of Fire who had originally planned to seek work in the Land of Whirlpools began to stay, working in nearby factories. Since they could earn money by staying in their own country, why go far away from home and lead a life of displacement?
Therefore...
The reputation of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, instantly far surpassed that of the God of Shinobi. He was even called the Land of Fire's Lord Jun!
People believed he would surely bring hope back to the Land of Fire and make it as prosperous as the Land of Whirlpools!
But, everyone was unaware...
During this time...
The national treasury of the Daimyo's capital was continuously shrinking...
...
"We must open up new sources of revenue!" Minato said, frowning as he looked at the daily expenditures. "Otherwise, if we can't pay wages eventually, the Land of Fire will definitely fall into chaos."
A more terrible chaos, more tragic than any before!
And he...
Would also change from the Land of Fire's hero to a usurper!
"Currently, most products have been produced," the spiky-haired young man said helplessly, spreading his hands. "But our goods don't have much competitiveness. Although the price is a bit cheaper than the Land of Whirlpools', most people prefer to use goods from the Land of Whirlpools, believing their quality is better."
And that slight price advantage didn't help; they would rather spend a little more money to buy better quality.
"Is there a problem with our quality?" Minato asked after a moment of silence. "Didn't I tell everyone below to strictly follow the Land of Whirlpools' production rules?"
"It's not a quality problem," the spiky-haired young man sighed and shook his head. "Our product quality isn't worse than the Land of Whirlpools', but they trust the Land of Whirlpools' more."
After Orochimaru joined, the Land of Fire's technology took a great leap forward. The quality of some small, trivial items was even better than the Land of Whirlpools'. However...
No one believed it!!!
After all, everyone thought the Land of Fire had just started, and it seemed unrealistic for it to surpass the Land of Whirlpools all at once.
But if these goods couldn't be sold, it would be troublesome if they became overstocked.
"What about domestically?" Minato hesitated, then said, "How are the product sales domestically?"
"Domestically, it's okay. Although the Land of Whirlpools' products still hold the advantage, everyone trusts the Hokage..." Nara Shikazo flipped through some records and said, "Quite a lot have been sold."
"Is that so..." Minato sighed, pondered for a moment, and said, "What do you think about lowering the prices?"
The first step is always the hardest. Once we get over this hurdle, the Land of Fire will surely catch up with the Land of Whirlpools. And now, time is money. As long as the Land of Fire is one step faster than the other four great nations, that is an advantage!!!
"We must seize market share as quickly as possible. Otherwise, once the other four great nations start their own revolutions, our advantage will disappear."
"This..." Nara Shikazo frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Our current price already has very little profit margin. If we lower it further, we will end up with expenditures exceeding income, which would be even more troublesome."
But not being able to sell is also a problem. Nara sighed and rubbed his forehead...
"Perhaps we should join the Shinobi Trade Organization!"
The quality of goods exported by the Red Alliance nations isn't stronger than Konoha's, but they are still recognized by the people of various countries. This is because the Shinobi Trade Organization controls most of the export goods in the shinobi world now. No matter how you export, how much you export, the tariffs, prices, and quality all have unified standards. It can be said that the Shinobi Trade Organization is now the rule-setter for commercial trade in the shinobi world. If we can join and use the Shinobi Trade Organization's mark, at least we can gain recognition from most people.
"Otherwise, if we lower our prices too much, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction in other countries, and that would be even more troublesome!"
Right now, the Land of Fire needs stable development and should try to avoid making enemies.
"Is that so..." Hearing Nara Shikazo's words, Namikaze Minato frowned, nodded, and said, "Later, submit your suggestion at the cabinet meeting and ask for everyone's opinions."
Since rules have been established, we must also follow them. Otherwise...
The rules definitely cannot last long, especially at this critical moment. If any problems arise and are exploited by those with ulterior motives, it will inevitably cause even greater trouble!
Namikaze Minato pondered for a moment, then added, "At the same time, monitor the changes in the major nations. Report immediately if they make any moves."
He sighed inwardly...
"Konoha must be fast!"
"Yes!" Nara Shikazo nodded upon hearing this, saying with a serious expression, "During this period, I will report any news to the Hokage as soon as possible."
He also knew that however much Konoha could lead now, that would be the distance it would put between itself and the four great nations in the future. So, they must not be careless in the slightest!
He thought for a moment, a hesitant expression on his face...
"About Lord Danzo's matter..."